The rights and wrongs of the 'civil war' dominated Irish political life for
a generation and relegated economic, social and cultural development to
second place. Since 1922 the history of Mayo is little different from the
national one but, with a high birth rate and few opportunities for
employment at home, numerous sons and daughters of the county became part of
the great extended Irish family scattered throughout the globe. The
population fell from 172,690 in 1926 to 161,349 in 1936 and 133,052 by 1956.
The chief source of livelihood for Mayo families during this period was
farming, where incomes were low and in many cases had to be supplemented by
emigrants' remittances or savings from seasonal migratory work in England.
In the latter case, many emigrants had not completed their national school
education when they were forced by economic necessity to supplement the
family income. The prevailing economic situation was aggravated by 'the
economic war' (1933 - '38), and later by the second world war.

Following the publication of the First Programme for Economic Expansion in
1958, industrial policy in Ireland was changed from protectionism to free
trade with the objective of establishing an export-orientated manufacturing
sector in the country by attracting foreign investment and promoting private
enterprise. Many multinational corporations began operations in Ireland and
new employment opportunities were created in industry and services, while
the agricultural labour force continued to decline. Some multinationals were
established in Mayo: Travenol, later Baxter Healthcare (1972), Hollister
(1976), Asahi (1977), and some indigenous firms like Rowear (Ballina),
Killala Precision Components (the 1996 'small business of the year'), and
Berry's Printing Works in Westport established national and international
reputations for excellence.

In the sphere of national politics, it could be argued that Mayo has made a
more than proportionate contribution in the decades since independence. In
addition to several government ministers, three leaders of Irish political
parties in this century were born in Mayo: Thomas J. O'Connell, who became
leader of the Labour Party in 1927, was born in Bekan; Joseph Blowick, who
was leader of the Clann na Talmhan party in the first inter-party Government
from 1948 - '51, was born near Balla, and Charles J. Haughey, who became
leader of the Fianna Fáil party in 1979, was born in Castlebar.
Castlebar-born Padraig Flynn, who earned a lot of deserved credit for the
excellent road system around Castlebar, became Ireland's European
Commissioner in 1993, with responsibility for Social Affairs and Employment.
There was another honour for Mayo when Ballina-born Mary Robinson (née
Bourke), an eminent barrister and former law professor and senator, became
the seventh President of Ireland on 3 December 1990, the first woman to hold
that office (and the second woman in the world to be democratically elected
a Head of State).

Mayo is becoming a popular tourist destination with continuous investment in
facilities, attractions and amenities. Our Lady's Shrine, Knock, is one of
the major attractions of the county, with over 1,500,00 visitors annually.
His Holiness Pope John Paul II came as a pilgrim to Knock on 30 September
1979, the goal of his journey to Ireland. Apart from His Holiness Pope John
Paul II, Mayo has welcomed other world figures in recent times: President
Reagan of the United States to Cong in 1974; Prince Charles to Delphi Lodge
in 1995 and Prince Edward to Castlebar in 1996, as well as numerous European
Union and United States celebrities.

One of the most significant developments in the county in the 20th century
was the provision of an international airport between Knock and Charlestown.
It was erected due to the vision and determination of Monsignor James Horan
(1911 - 1986), who was parish priest of Knock from 1970 until his death.
Despite many vicissitudes and much criticism, the airport was completed on
schedule and within budget (itself a major achievement by Irish standards)
and officially opened on 30 May 1986. It is now known as Horan International
Airport in honour of the great monsignor.

Another significant development was the opening of the Castlebar Campus of
the Regional Technical College Galway in September 1994. Due to the
leadership of Mayo County Council the infrastructure of the county has been
modernised in recent times with a network of new roads, water supplies, and
other amenities. There is a new spirit of dynamism and self-help evident
around Mayo in recent times with progressive plans for development in
industry, agriculture, tourism, services, education, infrastructure,
integrated rural development as well as the provision of appropriate social
and cultural amenities. It is still a county with an astonishing variety of
scenery, an unspoiled natural environment, several blue-flagged beaches,
where people have lived in harmony with their surroundings for over 5,000
years. The county's attractions include delightful uncongested holiday
resorts, excellent fishing waters, exciting walking and mountain climbing
trails, a good choice of golf courses, opportunities for many other types of
activity-holidays as well as can be seen from the above outline history,
some of the most interesting archaeological and historical sites in Ireland.
The natural beauty of the green countryside, the friendliness of its people
and general ambience make Mayo a place where visitors are made welcome and
where they can enjoy nature far removed from the hassle and pressure of
modern city life. You name it, Mayo has it naturally!